Bienvenue en France

The oboe has held a special place in France's culture since the time of Louis XIV, but the focus of Bienvenue en France is on works from the 20th century. Oboist François Leleux, partnered by pianist Emmanuel Strosser, performs works by Debussy, Saint-Saëns and Dutilleux, by the lesser-known Pierné, Bozza and Sancan, and by the contemporary composer Thierry Pécou.

This captivating music could not find a more eloquent advocate than Leleux, who was born near Lille in northern France. "A remarkably charismatic, flamboyant performer, matching immaculate technique with a dazzlingly vivid identification with his music," was how The Scotsman described Leleux, who has said that "Music is breath itself."